Binos

[oddsix]

What is a good quality pair? Some with excellent clarity. I'm looking at buying a pair soon, and my budget is anything under 700. Is that reasonable for a good pair...I really like some of the models that Zeiss makes. But i heard swarovski is really good but expensive. Any advice would be great thanks.

[Bow Walker]

Do your self a favor and take a serious look at Vortex.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/


You won't regret it.

[Spitzer]

A great pair of binoculars in your price range would be the Nikon's high grade 8x32 LXL for $698. That's IMO the best deal out there. These are excellent binos and rate up there with Zeiss, Swaro, Leica.

They compare favorably to my Zeiss 8x42 T*FL's, in sharpness and clarity. My friend has had a pair for a couple years now and he just loves them.

http://betterviewdesired.com/Venturer-LX-32s.php

[BCbillies]

From what I've heard Nikon is trying to compete with the big boys and has a great product. I see the Zeiss 8 x 40 on ebay for $729 and if you go 8 x 30 you can drop a few hundred $$$ off the price. Your end use will dictate to a large extent on the glass you choose. Best thing is to try out the various options - I've tried some high end optics that just weren't the fit. Personally I prefer an 8 x 30 or 8 x 40 over any 10x especially for mountain hunting. Don't be afraid to spend the full $700 and then some!

[oddsix]

A great pair of binoculars in your price range would be the Nikon's high grade 8x32 LXL for $698. That's IMO the best deal out there. These are excellent binos and rate up there with Zeiss, Swaro, Leica.

They compare favorably to my Zeiss 8x42 T*FL's, in sharpness and clarity. My friend has had a pair for a couple years now and he just loves them.

http://betterviewdesired.com/Venturer-LX-32s.php

Is there a big difference between the 8x32 and the 8x40 or 10x42 or is it all basically the same stuff?

[Vader]

Depends on the type of hunting you do.. I would choose a 10x40.. regardless... 8x30 are ok for weight on hikes but you would be dissapointed with light gathering and magnification. Last light - first light is very important I think. I agree with Bowwalker on the Vortex.. locally they are around 590 for the Viper I believe.. It was binocular of the year last year.. If you could go the next step I would do the Vortex Razor in 10 x 42... Might not be Swaros.. but for the price... pretty darn close..

[srupp]

I have the Baush and Laumb ELITE..8X43 ..I feel they are amazing..

Steven

[Spitzer]

Is there a big difference between the 8x32 and the 8x40 or 10x42 or is it all basically the same stuff?

If you 're talking same manufacturer and same quality model then the optics should pretty much be the same besides brightness. The 8x42 will be a bit brighter than the 8x32 and 10x42. I don't like 10x because the FOV is too narrow and also useless in the timber. The magnification results in more shakiness, making quick one handed views almost impossible.

If you're going to spend $700 then I'd save that for when you can buy these (see below) and have no doubt that you've bought the best! :wink:

http://www.betterviewdesired.com/Zeiss-Victory-8x42-TFL-Binocular.php

.24hourcampfire.com/8x42.html

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/Winter2005/Age_Binos.html